In spring 2013, Artisan is slated to leave the art deco building on Park Street that it’s held since first opening in 2006 and move into a space in the former A&R Furniture & Interiors at 12th and Pine streets. At that spot, the restaurant will look out onto City Park.

The former furniture location, with its large picture windows and showroom interiors spanning 12,000-square-feet, has mostly sat empty since closing in 2011. It hosted a temporary art show earlier this year.

Artisan is credited for helping boost Paso Robles as a culinary destination, bringing it the status of being a “nationally known and critically acclaimed leader in the farm-to-table dining movement,” officials said.

Bringing the restaurant further into the downtown core will give it more exposure to the area's foot traffic because Park Street is on the outskirts from the city's main square of shops and eateries.

The restaurant also plans to add new features to its seasonal menu offerings, according to a news release announcing the move.

The new space is about the same size as the restaurant’s current spot — roughly 4,100 square feet, Artisan co-owner Mike Kobayashi said in an email. He owns the restaurant with his brother, Chris Kobayashi, who is also the restaurant’s chef.

Artisan employs 47 people and its staffing level will remain the same after the move, Mike Kobayashi said. He declined to disclose the costs associated with the new location, and did not disclose annual sales or profits.

Chef Chris Kobayashi works with local farmers, ranchers and fisherman to best showcase Paso Robles and the Central Coast.

The former A&R space is being renovated to give the building a new look under plans to remodel and split up the large showroom into several tenant spaces.

Three other businesses are slated to occupy the former A&R location; names should be announced upon final lease negotiations with building owner NKT Commercial in San Luis Obispo, according to the news release.

Architectural plans also call for changing the building's façade, including removing the arc from the top, taking down the maroon awnings and bringing in new color schemes. A structural design feature will also be added to building's east end to make it look taller.

The Artisan space will also include an outdoor dining area with chairs and tables overlooking the park. Information on what’s up next for the Park Street location wasn’t immediately available.